Apple Watch is in first place in the rating of users. It is no coincidence that its rate of adoption continues to grow, and in 2017 there was an increase of 60%. Today Apple presents watchOS 5, a new version of the operating system for Apple Watch.

SAN JOSE, California – June 4, 2018 – Apple today presented a preview of watchOS 5, a major update of the world’s most beloved watch, which helps users stay fit and keep in touch. With many new features including task sharing challenges, automatic training detection, advanced ride features, Walkie-Talkie, Apple Podcast and other developers’ app on the Siri dial, Apple Watch becomes an even more efficient companion to stay fit, communicate and access information on the fly.

“We are excited about the positive impact Apple Watch is having on people’s lives,” said Jeff Williams, Apple’s Chief Operating Officer. “Apple Watch is helping our customers keep in touch, improve their fitness and, in many cases, identify dangerous diseases. With the launch of watchOS 5, we are pleased to present new features for physical activity and communication that will bring Apple Watch to a whole new level. “

Activity Challenges

After the excitement aroused by Activity Sharing, watchOS 5 now allows users to invite other Apple Watch users to participate in seven-day Activity challenges, earning points when they close their Activity rings and receive notifications so they do not lose motivation and get to the victory.

Automatic training detection

For the most popular workouts on Apple Watch, automatic training detection provides an alert to start the correct workout and assigns a retroactive credit. This feature also sends a reminder to end training sessions after a period of inactivity if the user forgets.

New workouts

Yoga and Hiking are combined with 12 other specialized training types that accurately monitor the burned active calories and exercise minutes earned.

New functions for the race

watchOS 5 offers high-performance features for running enthusiasts, including a new cadence measurement (steps per minute) for outdoor and indoor runs and walks, and a new outdoor travel alert that alerts users when the pace is below or above the value they have targeted. A new measurement, Rolling Mile Pace, gives runners the chance to see the pace taken in the last mile just run, in addition to the average and current pace.

Walkie-talkie

WatchOS 5 introduces Walkie-Talkie, a brand new way to communicate by voice with a simple touch on the wrist. It’s an easy and fun way to get in touch on the fly with friends and family: the clock-to-clock connection is fast, personal and can be activated between anyone wearing a compatible Apple Watch in the world, via Wi-Fi or cellular network. *

Apple Podcasts

Now users can listen to their favorite podcasts anywhere with Apple Podcast on Apple Watch and play the catalog podcasts using Siri. The episodes will automatically sync to Apple Watch, and when they are listened to on other devices the app will automatically update itself with the most recent episode. A new feature for developers allows you to sync Apple Watch music, audiobooks and meditation sessions from apps like Pandora, Audible and 10% Happier to be able to play offline even when the user’s iPhone is not nearby.

Siri updates

Using machine learning, Siri’s updated watch face on Apple Watch becomes an even better personal assistant. Now, during the day, offers more predictive and proactive shortcuts based on habits, places, and information such as heartbeat after a workout, travel times provided by Maps at the time when the user leaves the office to go home or the sports results of a favorite team. The Siri quadrant will also show the interactive content of the apps of other developers preferred by the user Nike + Run Club, Glow Baby and Mobile.

Improved notifications

App notifications from other developers can now have interactive controls and can be used without having to open the app; for example, notification of a Yelp booking will allow direct modification of the time or number of people.

Student identification cards

With watchOS 5, Apple Watch replaces student identification cards. Raising the pulse, students will be able to access places such as the library, dorms, and events, as well as pay for snacks, laundry and dinners on campus: simply add their ID card to Wallet on Apple Watch. The program will be launched with Duke University, the University of Alabama and the University of Oklahoma this fall. Johns Hopkins University, Santa Clara University, and Temple University will introduce this feature at the end of the year.

Pride straps and summer colors

Today, Apple has also released a new Pride-themed watch face, which Apple Watch users can download from the watch gallery in the Apple Watch app. The Pride Edition braided nylon strap has been updated with a new rainbow stripe; for each sale, a donation will be made to the following organizations that defend the rights of the LGBTQ community: Gender Spectrum, GLSEN, ILGA, PFLAG, The National Center for Transgender Equality and The Trevor Project.

Apple has also introduced new colors for summer straps: sea green, peach, and sky blue.

Prices and availability

watchOS 5 will be available in the fall as a free update for Apple Watch Series 1 and later and will require an iPhone 5s or later with iOS 12. watchOS 5 will not be available on the original Apple Watch. The described functions could be modified. Some features may not be available in all territories.

WatchKit for watchOS 5 is available to subscribers to the Apple Developer Program at developer.apple.com starting today. To learn more: apple.com/watchos-preview.

The Pride dial can be added to the watch from the watch gallery in the Apple Watch app on the iPhone and requires iOS 11.4 and watchOS 4.3.1.

The new Pride Edition braided nylon strap is available today at apple.com and will arrive this week in the US Apple Stores and over 35 countries and territories, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, South Korea, United Arab Emirates United, France, Germany, Japan, Hong Kong, Italy, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Singapore, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. The Pride Edition braided nylon strap costs € 59.